THE SPIRITUAL ASPECT – No. 9

I want to continue documenting some of the incidents of how God has guided us, provided for us and spoken to us since my diagnosis in July 2006. For all of our married life, Nicky and I have depended on God to provide for us financially in full-time ministry. He has done so faithfully through a variety of means, but primarily through the generosity of family and friends.

Since my diagnosis, our financial needs have increased significantly. To enable me to continue my work at the school, we had to purchase a motorised wheelchair. This enabled me to attend meetings, visit classrooms and interact with pupils. It also provided greater independence outside of school hours. We then needed a vehicle that was able to transport the wheelchair, which weighs around 90 kilograms. We were able to make these two purchases because of God’s provision through some very special people…

Nicky’s uncle, Eddie Eckstein, is the leader of a well-known band in South Africa called The Bats. Since my diagnosis, Eddie and the other members of the band had been offering to do a benefit concert for me. Now with these expenses looming before us, Nicky and I decided to take them up on their offer.

After much prayer and deliberation, we decided on a venue that could seat 950. And thanks to the hard work of some very dedicated friends and family members, we sold out! Many people who couldn’t be there on the night of the event gave a donation instead. That evening alone, we raised enough money to enable us to purchase the vehicle, and made a memory that I will never forget!

Thanks to the generosity of even more people, we have been able to purchase the motorised wheelchair, purchase the head mouse that enables me to use the computer, and afford having a caregiver 24/7. One friend heard about my need, immediately approached his Round Table branch and secured a sizable donation towards the wheelchair. Family members stepped in to cover the entire cost of the head mouse. Other friends heard that we were struggling to afford the caregiver and offered to cover as much of that expense as necessary each month.

As you can see, God has indeed worked through many sources to provide for our needs. And we are so grateful to Him and to all who have given so generously.